At the insistent demand of [my granddaughters] and the Farris clan generally, with the microphone and recording device furnished by my dear friend, I am attempting to start on an extended investigation and reporting of my past and my present. With these words, Edward Farris began a fascinating 7.5-hour autobiographical audio recording: growing up in rural Kentucky in the 1920s, doing his part to liberate France in WWII, serving closely with two governors and so much more. Part 1 of this book contains Ed’s wonderful story in his own unique voice.Marching across France as an infantryman towards the end of WWII, Ed was involved in many engagements, both major and minor. In 1998, he sat down with a retired army colonel and spent four and a half hours recounting in great detail the two most significant of these battles: when his entire battalion was trapped on the wrong side of the Moselle River with German tanks fast approaching; and when he was knocked out of the war by German artillery fire in Achain, France. Part 2 contains these thrilling first-hand accounts in which Ed explores the battles that raged around him and the turmoil that raged within. As executive secretary (now termed chief of staff ) to Governors Clements and Wetherby from 1948-1955, Ed was intimately involved in the inner workings of Kentucky state politics. Four different times, Ed sat down with interviewers seeking insight on Ed’s experiences and the powerful men he was indispensable to. Part 3 contains all of the rich details and stories from these compelling conversations.He loved. He lost. He fought. He learned. He traveled. He raised four children and was beloved by eight grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Come take a journey and experience the unique, interesting story of this charming man’s life, told in his own voice.
